WEEKLY COLUMN of Fairford and Lechlade news by Chris Roberts MBE

1. Sparebase charity bike ride 

To help raise money for the Friends of Fairford & Lechlade Communities (FFLC), Jon Barber will be doing a sponsored bike ride totalling over 100 miles.

Taking place on Friday July 26, Jon plans to cycle through (or as close as possible to) each town and village that the FFLC supports – just over 50 miles there and just over 50 miles back again – a total of over 100 miles.

The start will be at 7.30am by the Marlborough Arms pub in Fairford, finishing at the same venue 100 miles later.

Jon said: “We have been supporting FFLC for many years and this cycle ride is just one part of all the efforts we do throughout the year. Last year, I did a skydive, so wanted to do something different this year. Whatever we raise, Sparesbase has promised to match the final total.

“We also do many internal events to help raise money for this very good cause and are planning a Quiz Night and Christmas Raffle for later this year.”

Jon is hoping to raise at least £1,000 and would be very grateful for any donations to his Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/page/sparesbase2024.

Sparesbase is one of the UK’s leading boiler spares merchants with over 20,000 products in stock in its distribution centre in Fairford.

First established in 1991 as The League of Friends of Fairford Hospital supporting Fairford Hospital when it still had in-patient beds, the FFLC is a local volunteer-led registered charity that supports the health, social care and wellbeing of people in the local communities of Fairford, Lechlade and the surrounding villages.

2. Summer Garden Party in beautiful gardens 

 On Wednesday July 24 from 6.30pm-8.30pm, there will be a Summer Garden Party in the beautiful gardens at Langford Downs Farm (just two miles north of Lechlade on the Burford Road).

An evening’s entertainment viewing the exceptional local garden, plus cheese/nibbles and wine and a musical recital by Lechlade Occasional Choir in the Herb Garden.

All funds raised for the benefit of Project Inspire – the plan to restore and re-order the church of St Lawrence, Lechlade. There is a limit of 100 tickets costing £15 that are on sale at The Health Box and online: https://bit.ly/StLGardenParty24.

Langford Downs Farm, Lechlade The Friends of Fairford & Lechlade Communities (FFLC) is holding an Ear Care Clinic on Monday July 22 from 10am-2.30pm. It is a donate-what-you-can-afford clinic thanks to support from FFLC.

You get a video picture of your eardrum and wax; advice on hearing difficulties and how to access hearing services; microsuction of ear wax removal; how to get an NHS Hearing Aid; basic hearing aid troubleshooting. Pop in to book at #NOLABELS, Burford Street, Lechlade.

3. Fairford History Society celebrates 20th anniversary 

Fairford History Society (FHS) celebrated its 20th anniversary at the AGM in June this year, which included wine and cheese, short speeches by FHS President, Edwin Cuss and Syd Flatman (Vice Chair).

John Read gave a talk about the origins of the Society, which arose from the need to obtain a grant from the Lottery Fund, which required a ‘heritage’ input. A presentation was then given of some of the events and activities over the last 20 years – a real trip down Memory Lane. FHS is now taking its summer break and meetings will resume on September 19.

4. Update on Working 4 Wellbeing's digital inclusion support 

Working 4 Wellbeing’s digital inclusion support continues in July. However, the Tuesday drop-in will not be available in August. Please attend the Talking Café on Wednesdays and book a session with the Volunteer Digital Buddy, Ian. In September, there are plans for a digital workshop in partnership with DAISI (Digital Accessibility, Inclusion, Support and Innovation).

5. Church supports three charities 

Over the past year, St Mary’s Church, Fairford has supported three charities – one international (The Dakatcha Forest Project), one national (Guide Dogs for the Blind) and one local (Working for Wellbeing). Now it’s time to choose which three charities will be supported equally next year. Do you have a charity that you would like to see being supported?

Please nominate your charity/charities to Rev’d Caroline and say why you would like it supported. There will be a poll through the month of August to decide on the final three charities. If you feel particularly passionate about supporting charities as a church community, perhaps you’d like to come on board to lead this process? If this is something you’d like to do, please speak to Rev’d Caroline or call the Parish Office on 01285 712611.

6. Club open to all males 

The Probus Club of Lechlade and District is open to all males of any age. Meeting in Lechlade Memorial Hall on the first and third Fridays of every month (except public holidays) at 10am for 10.30am. Talks last up to an hour and meetings are followed by a few drinks at the bar run by members. The next meeting is on Friday July 19 and the talk is ‘Consumer rights to Repair’ with Colin Thompson.

The next meeting of Lechlade WI will be a Coffee Morning on Monday July 22 at 10.30am at The Riverside pub.

7. Cotswold Fest taking place next weekend 

Organised by Fairford businessman, Oakley Hayward, Cotswold Fest is a weekend celebration of family fun, music and food and drink in beautiful countryside over the weekend of Friday to Sunday July 26-28 at South Cerney Airfield, Cirencester GL7 5RD.

Camp under the stars, groove to local bands with live music throughout the weekend, a big variety of local food and drink available including local produce, alcoholic beverages and refreshments and family activities for all ages.

Activities include inflatables, face-painting, flower hats, circus skills, 10-seater motion simulator, woodwork workshop, blacksmith workshop, funfair, Total Wipeout bar, off-road go karts and Ken Fox Wall of Death.

Music from The Faux Fighters, Jimmy Moore, Mirrored Faces, Joli and the Souls, DJ Reuben Stevens, Rock the 90s, Westrop School Choir, DJ Mike Case, Ray Stephens Jazz, Shades of Silver, Busy Fools, Chasing Kites, Noasis, Carey Andrews and PinkMac.

Cotswold Fest is the laid-back weekend of family fun with camping available and transport to and from the festival. Dog-friendly, but please keep your furry friends on leads and pick up after them to ensure a clean and enjoyable experience for all.

For more information, contact 07532 326987, info@cotswoldfest.co.uk or visit www.cotswoldfest.co.uk.